“She loves a big man like that and he seems like he’s got a lot going on. She digs that,” the pal said.

Although Rihanna has been dubbed “the sexiest woman in the world” by fellow stunning songstress Shakira, the Barbadian beauty supposedly has insecurities about going for Mychal.

According to her friend, Rihanna experiences the same butterflies in her stomach as everyone else in the midst of puppy love.

“Just because she’s ‘Rihanna’ or whatever, doesn’t mean she can’t have little crush on someone,” the source said.

Mychal admitted he knew what Rihanna had tweeted on “Man Crush Monday”, and he was clearly embarrassed. In an interview with CSNPHilly.com, the football player claimed his teammates were already teasing him.

“Some of the guys told me about it. They were busting my chops a little,” he said. When asked if he had ever met Rihanna, the 23-year-old refused to answer the question.

“I don’t want to talk about this, y’all,” he laughed.

Rihanna has confirmed she and Shakira will duet on new single Can’t Remember to Forget You, which is due out mid-month.